5 reasons why Ohio will always be the state of aviation

November is Aviation History Month, and it's no secret that our state was home to quite a bit of this history.

5 reasons why Ohio will always be the state of aviation:

1. Official birthplace of aviation

In 2003, Congress officially declared Ohio as the “birthplace of aviation” over North Carolina, because Dayton was the home of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who were credited in inventing and flying the first aircraft.

Historians believe the Wright Brothers conducted research, drew up design plans, and created their aircraft inside their bicycle shop on the west side of Dayton. All Ohio license plates now display the words “birthplace of aviation." For more on the Wright Brothers, click here.

According to NASA, 23 Ohio natives have gone on to become astronauts, more than any other state. Of these numerous astronauts are Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, and John Glenn.

3. John Glenn

Ohio native John Glenn set a transcontinental speed record in 1957 (travelling from Los Angeles to New York in 3 hours and 23 minutes), was chosen to take part in the famous Mercury 7 flight, and became the first astronaut to orbit the Earth in 1962.

Dayton, Ohio is home to the National Air Force Museum, which displays over 300 aircrafts and missiles.

The museum is expanding even further next year, to include a massive hangar addition, which will house experimental jets, historic presidential planes, and rockets. Click here to learn more.

5. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Wright-Patterson Air Force base, which spans across Greene and Montgomery counties, is one of the largest air force bases in the country.

According to their website, “Wright-Patt's highly specialized workforce of approximately 27,000 military, civilian and contractor employees provide vital support to ensure Air Force and joint warfighters have modernized systems needed to fly, fight and win.”